Communications and Society Program

Communications Policy Conference Guest Scholarship

The Guest Scholar Program
Communications and Society Program
The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program invites minority doctoral (or other advanced graduate program) students to apply for a Guest Scholarship to attend the Twenty-Eighth Annual Aspen Institute Conference on Communications Policy, August 11-14, 2013. The conference will take place at the Aspen Meadows Conference Center in Aspen, Colorado.

CONFERENCE:
Twenty-Eighth Annual Aspen Institute Conference on Communications Policy
The Future of Video Regulation

The 28th Annual Aspen Institute Communications Policy Conference, August 11-14, 2013 in Aspen, will consider the regulation of video. Video has progressed from a pictorial extension of radio in the mid-1900’s to an increasingly dominant form of communication in all aspects of modern life. Today, the uses of video are myriad, ranging from video-conferencing to mass events such as the Super Bowl. As the art form and method of communication have progressed, however, the regulatory system has relied on adaptation from earlier eras, distinguishing its regulatory effect often on the basis of transmission. In a world where all content is one form of bits in any event, why does it matter? What are the underpinnings for government regulation and where is it appropriate? This conference will explore the changing nature of video – its sources, uses, and methods of distribution – to suggest how government(s) should or should not be involved in its production, distribution, reception or use.

REQUIREMENTS:

The Guest Scholar should be a US resident and a minority student, based on the definition of minority created by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: of African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Island, Native Alaskan or Native American descent.
Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. or other advanced graduate program at an accredited college or university; and have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (un-weighted) in Communications, Telecommunications, or a closely related discipline.
The student should have a clearly defined interest in communications policy as evidenced by published papers, a major research project, or dissertation in the conference topic.
The student must commit to attending the entire conference.

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS:

The Guest Scholar will be expected to read the pre-conference materials provided. He or she will attend all conference sessions as a full participant in the discussion. The Aspen Institute will pay for roundtrip economy airfare to Aspen, Colorado, meals, and lodging at the Aspen Meadows Conference Center for the Guest Scholar. The Scholar’s spouse, guest, or children may travel to and stay at the Aspen Meadows at the Scholar’s expense.

ABOUT THE COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIETY PROGRAM:
The overall goal of the Communications and Society Program is to addresses the societal impact of communications and information technologies, and provide a multi-disciplinary venue for considered judgment on communications policy issues.

ABOUT THE ASPEN INSTITUTE:
The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It also has an international network of partners.

APPLICATION AND DEADLINE: